JU organises ‘Campus Calling’ training workshop in collaboration with NCW

Jammu, September 26: The Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW), successfully organised a one-day awareness workshop titled “Campus Calling” on the theme “Gender Sensitivity, POSH and Cyber Security” at the University of Jammu.

The workshop was graced by Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of NCW and a noted social activist, who attended as the Chief Guest. In her keynote address, she lauded the initiative as part of a larger journey to build a safe, sensitive, and gender-equal society. She stressed that empowering youth with awareness of gender equality and women’s rights is central to strengthening the nation, adding that if India is to harness its demographic dividend by 2047, it must equip young people with the right knowledge, opportunities, and direction.

Highlighting the importance of legal literacy, the Chairperson pointed out that laws for the protection of women particularly, against sexual harassment and cybercrime, will only achieve their purpose if young people are aware of their rights and confident enough to act on them. Citing the example of Zero FIR, she observed that even educated students often lack awareness of such powerful provisions. She stressed that this knowledge not only protects women but also prevents youth, including boys, from making mistakes that could carry serious consequences.

Drawing inspiration from India’s history of courageous and visionary women such as Rani Lakshmibai and Savitribai Phule, the Chairperson urged students to carry forward their legacy by embracing gender equality not as a slogan but as a movement. She also cautioned that in the digital era, cybercrimes pose new challenges, making awareness of the Cyber Act and safe social media use vital.

Introducing NCW’s Yashoda AI programme, she noted that it has been designed to address issues emerging in the age of artificial intelligence, and called upon the youth to work collectively to uphold women’s rights, dignity, and safety.

Prof. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, presided over the function. In her Presidential remarks, she defined gender sensitivity as a conscious effort to recognise and respect the differences, challenges, and inequalities faced on the basis of gender. She commended the Centre for Women’s Studies for its consistent commitment to the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Prof. Naresh Padha, Senior Professor, Department of Physics, also graced the programme as a Special Guest.

Earlier. welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Savita Nayyar, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, underscored the significance of gender sensitivity and cyber awareness in today’s rapidly digitising society. She noted that ensuring dignity, equality, and safety is a shared responsibility and emphasised that the Campus Calling initiative of NCW is a vital step towards awareness, dialogue, and capacity building. Expressing her gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, she acknowledged his leadership in fostering platforms that equip youth, particularly women, with skills to become responsible citizens who uphold respect and inclusion.

The technical sessions were conducted by Advocate Kiran Thakur, Founder and Director of Navridhi Welfare Foundation, who sensitised participants on gender laws, provisions under POSH, and the challenges of cyber security. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by faculty members, staff, and students, affirming their resolve to create safe, inclusive, and gender-just environments both on campus and in society.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from Heads of Departments, faculty members, and over 250 students from across the University.

Dr. Saranjit Kaur conducted the proceedings, while Dr. Disha Sharma proposed the formal vote of thanks on behalf of the Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu.